This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the valve cover gasket on the 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to repair oil leaks from the valve cover area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification (inspect and replace if damaged)

Fluids

• Engine oil (if topping off after leak) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation).
3. Disconnect both negative battery cables starting with the auxiliary battery, then the main battery.
4. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the front clips and lifting off.
5. Photograph or label all electrical connections and hose routing for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components
   Loosen the clamp at the turbocharger inlet and disconnect the air intake tube. Remove the air filter housing assembly by disconnecting any electrical connectors (such as the intake air temperature sensor) and unbolting the mounting hardware. Set aside components in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors on or near the valve cover. This includes the engine position sensor connectors, fuel injector harness connectors (typically bundled), and any other sensors mounted to the valve cover or rocker housing. Press the release tabs and pull connectors straight out to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Remove fuel injector wiring harness
   Unbolt the fuel injector wiring harness from its mounting points on the valve cover. The harness is typically held by several clips and bolts. Carefully route the harness away from the valve cover area and secure it to prevent damage. Do not disconnect individual injector connectors unless necessary.
4. 4

   Disconnect crankcase ventilation and breather system
   Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses from the valve cover. On the 6.7L Cummins, this includes the main breather tube and any PCV system connections. Use a flat blade screwdriver to release hose clamps if necessary. Note the routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove valve cover mounting bolts
   Remove all valve cover bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outside and working inward. There are typically 16-18 bolts securing the valve cover. Keep bolts organized and inspect the rubber grommets on each bolt for damage or deterioration. Replace any damaged grommets.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove valve cover
   Carefully lift the valve cover straight up off the cylinder head. The cover may be stuck due to old gasket material or sealant. If stuck, gently tap the cover with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Never pry between the sealing surfaces as this will damage the mating surfaces.
7. 7

   Clean mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean both the cylinder head and valve cover mating surfaces using a plastic gasket scraper. Remove all old gasket material, oil residue, and debris. Follow up with brake cleaner and clean shop rags. Inspect both surfaces for warping, cracks, or damage. The mating surfaces must be completely clean and dry for proper sealing. Stuff clean rags into the cylinder head openings to prevent debris from falling into the engine.
8. 8

   Inspect rocker arm assembly
   With the valve cover removed, visually inspect the rocker arms, pushrods, and valve train components for wear, damage, or unusual deposits. Check for proper oil distribution. This is a good opportunity to identify any other potential issues. Remove the protective rags from the cylinder head openings before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install new valve cover gasket
   Position the new valve cover gasket onto the valve cover. The gasket typically has locating tabs or adhesive backing to hold it in position. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in the valve cover groove all the way around. Do not use additional sealant unless specified by the gasket manufacturer.
10. 10

    Install valve cover
    Carefully position the valve cover with new gasket onto the cylinder head, ensuring proper alignment with all bolt holes. Install all valve cover bolts with grommets finger-tight first. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a crisscross pattern from the center outward in three stages: first to 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft), then to 7 Nm (5 lb-ft), and finally to specification. This ensures even gasket compression and prevents leaks.
    ⚠Over-tightening valve cover bolts can warp the cover, crack the gasket, or strip threads. Use a calibrated torque wrench and follow the tightening sequence carefully.
    Torque spec

    Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect crankcase ventilation system
    Reinstall all crankcase ventilation hoses and breather connections to the valve cover. Ensure hose clamps are properly positioned and tightened. Verify that all connections are secure and hoses are routed correctly without kinks or interference.
12. 12

    Reinstall fuel injector wiring harness
    Route the fuel injector wiring harness back into position and secure it with all mounting bolts and clips. Ensure the harness is not in contact with hot exhaust components or sharp edges. Reconnect all electrical connectors to injectors and sensors, ensuring each connector clicks into place securely.
13. 13

    Reinstall air intake system
    Reinstall the air filter housing and secure all mounting bolts. Reconnect the air intake tube to the turbocharger inlet and tighten the clamp securely. Reconnect any electrical connectors to the intake air temperature sensor or other intake-mounted sensors.
14. 14

    Reconnect batteries and install engine cover
    Reconnect both battery negative cables, starting with the main battery first, then the auxiliary battery. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the mounting points and pressing down until all clips engage. Verify the cover is fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked.
2. Verify all hoses and harnesses are properly routed and secured away from moving parts and hot surfaces.
3. Check engine oil level and top off if necessary after addressing the leak.
4. Do not start the engine immediately after reassembly; perform a final visual inspection of all connections and components.

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 5-10 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around the valve cover perimeter.
• Check for any unusual noises from the valve train area that might indicate improper reassembly.
• Rev the engine slightly (1500-2000 RPM) and continue monitoring for leaks, paying attention to the crankcase ventilation system connections.
• After the test run, clean any oil residue from the test and allow the engine to cool, then recheck valve cover bolt torque after the first heat cycle.
• Road test the vehicle and recheck for leaks after 50-100 miles of operation to ensure proper seal.

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